My parents lived through “golden” economic times. Both were born in 1929 and lived through the Great Depression, but at a young age. Grandpa Henley worked at the flour mill during the week, played fiddle at the Saturday night dances, and broke ponies no one else would attempt. His skin was always black and blue with bruises. The kids just thought that was normal skin for him. Those were tough times. But after WWII, the U.S. became the place to be. Sustained economic growth and reasonable expectations allowed the average person to plan for their future. Interest rates were stable and hard working people could save money for retirement with a reasonable amount of certainty. 5% saving rate became the norm and except for the early 1980’s when rates soared to double-digits in order to control inflation, life was rather predictable. Not so much now.
The global economic system is in the midst of being shaken to its core. Greed has infiltrated every major market. A few in control have been able to methodically steal from the masses. Their reward will be temporary at best. The kings of the East are rising up and will defy the old order. The principles that America once stood for are still being touted but the actions speak differently. Hiding behind the “greater good” philosophy will no longer be tolerated. The truth has begun to peak out from behind the curtain.
At the same time, Our Heavenly Father is raising a standard of Love and Truth. HIS Word is by which everyone and every act will be judged. We must embrace this standard at all costs. We must be unwavering as we pursue the full maturity associated with HIS standard. Love must arise in order that alternatives can be judged. Truth must be known in order to fully expose the lies. The Law must be expressed in order to judge the lawless. With that in mind, 1 Corinthians 13:7 should be meditated upon:
1 Corinthians 13:7
- NET© 13:7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
- NIV© 13:7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
- NASB© 13:7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
- ESV© 13:7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
- NLT© 13:7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
- MSG© 13:7 Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.
- BBE© 13:7 Love has the power of undergoing all things, having faith in all things, hoping all things.
- NKJV© 13:7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
- NRSV© 13:7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
- KJV© 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.